China Imposes Tariffs on EU Brandy, Exempts Major Producers

The decision to exempt major European liquor makers from the duties came as China’s top diplomat met with European leaders.
China Imposes Tariffs on EU Brandy, Exempts Major Producers
A vendor stands near cognac bottles at a liquor store in Beijing on July 4, 2025. Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images
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China will impose duties of up to 34.9 percent on European brandy for five years starting on July 5, according to China’s Ministry of Commerce. Certain major producers will be exempt if they agree to maintain prices above a minimum threshold.

The decision, published in several documents on the ministry’s website on July 4, follows a year-long investigation launched in January 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron has described the move as “pure retaliation” against the European Union’s tariff hikes on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs).